Ipoh Parade hosts Perak’s first Drumline Battle

From exhilarating K-Pop dance tournaments to wildly imaginative cosplay parties, Ipoh Parade has always been at the forefront of introducing new and thrilling experiences. This time, the mall proudly introduced another first to Perak with its second “Sekolahku Berbakat” event in collaboration with the Perak State Education Department: the Drumline Battle. The event pitted bands from different schools across Perak against each other, bringing together rhythm, coordination, and showmanship in a spectacular display of musical excellence.

The Drumline Battle saw ten teams participate, each bringing their unique style and energy to the competition. The atmosphere was electric, with the mall’s Main Court filled with the raucous cheers of faculty, friends, and alumni.

The favourites to win were SMJK Sam Tet’s Tofu Drumline, in suits of blue and silver, and SMK St. Michael’s MMB Drumline, in green and black with feathered tricorns. As fate would have it, these two teams faced off in the finals. SMJK Sam Tet dazzled with tight choreography and suspenseful cadences, while SMK St. Michael countered with aggressive beats and infectious charisma. Ultimately, the judges unanimously declared SMK St. Michael’s MMB Drumline the champions.

Celebrating Talent and Sportsmanship

“To be a witness to these students’ passion is a privilege and an honour, and we couldn’t be happier to have been the facilitators for such an occasion,” commented Lim Huey Tyng, Manager for Ipoh Parade’s Advertising & Promotions (A&P) Department. The event not only showcased the immense talent in Perak but also highlighted the spirit of sportsmanship among the participants.

While SMK St. Michael’s MMB Drumline took home RM2,500 in cash prizes as the ultimate victor, SMJK Sam Tet’s Tofu Drumline proved their mettle by winning the Most Popular Band and Most Creative Costume awards, securing total winnings of RM2,500. The Avengers Drumline from SMK Menglembu claimed the second runner-up position and a prize of RM1,000. The fourth and fifth places went to the Dark Knights from Malay College Kuala Kangsar and the OMB Drum Corp from SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun respectively, with each team receiving RM500.

In the primary school category, the Anthonian Band from SK St. Anthony Teluk Intan delighted audiences with their solid performance and winning smiles, earning the top spot. They outperformed the Adikarianz Marching Band from SK Sri Adika Raja, who secured the runner-up position.

Dr. Nor Haslan Bin Nor Zaman, Unit Head of Student Talent Development (Co-curriculum) at the Perak State Education Department, praised the schools’ performances and announced the department’s full endorsement for the annual continuation of this program.

Final Results

Showcase – Primary School Category (SK)

• Gold Medal: Anthonian Band – SK St. Anthony Teluk Intan
• Silver Medal: Adikarianz Marching Band – SK Sri Adika Raja

Showcase – Secondary School Category (SMK)

• Gold Medal:
  • Tofu Drumline – SMJK Sam Tet
  • OMB Drum Corp – SMKRP Bainun
  • MMB Drumline – SMK St. Michael
• Silver Medal:
  • Anthonian Drumline – SMK St. Anthony Teluk Intan
  • Avengers Drumline – SMK Menglembu
  • Dark Knights – Malay College Kuala Kangsar
• Bronze Medal:
  • SYS Cadet Band – SMK Sultan Yussuf
  • Cannon Drum – SMJK Sam Tet

Drumline Battle – Primary School Category

• Champion (RM500): Anthonian Band – SK St. Anthony Teluk Intan
• First Runner-up (RM300): Adikarianz Marching Band – SK Sri Adika Raja

Drumline Battle – Secondary School Category

• Champion (RM2,500): MMB Drumline – SMK St. Michael
• First Runner-up (RM1,500): Tofu Drumline – SMJK Sam Tet
• Second Runner-up (RM1,000): Avengers Drumline – SMK Menglembu
• Fourth (RM500): Dark Knights – Malay College Kuala Kangsar
• Fifth (RM500): OMB Drum Corp – SMKRP Bainun

Special Awards

• Most Creative Costume (RM500): Tofu Drumline – SMJK Sam Tet
• Most Popular Band (RM500): Tofu Drumline – SMJK Sam Tet

Judges

1. Zahrein Mustaffa from ZmuzikZ
2. Boojae Fadzil from Funky Fresh By Floor Fever
3. Jimmy Wong representing Persatuan Kesenian Pancaragam Malaysia (MAMA)

The success of Ipoh Parade’s Drumline Battle sets a promising precedent for future events, with plans already underway for the next iteration of “Sekolahku Berbakat.”